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Oklahoma Sooners release statement after Caleb Williams enters transfer portal

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•01/03/22•

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Oklahoma Sooners athletic director Joe Castiglione on the field after a win against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. (David Stacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Caleb Williams shocked the college football world on Monday by entering the transfer portal. The former On3 No. 1 overall player from the 2021 class will now weigh his options across the country while returning to Norman is not out of the equation.

After the news broke, Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables and athletic director Joe Castiglione released a statement. The two said they understand why Williams would want to look around but still think the Sooners are the best option.

“Caleb Williams enjoyed an exciting and impactful first season at the University of Oklahoma and we will continue to be engaged with him and his family on a comprehensive plan for his development as a student and a quarterback, including a path to graduation and strategic leveraging of NIL opportunities. While we believe OU provides Caleb the best opportunity to develop as a player and realize his goals for college and beyond, we respect his right to explore his options following key staffing changes here.”

You can read the full statement below:

Oklahoma Soooners QB enters the transfer portal

Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams will enter the transfer portal, he announced Monday via Twitter. The true freshman quarterback will explore his options while not completely ruling out returning to Norman, he said.

“As you all know, the sudden changes this season sent shockwaves through Sooner Nation and were really hard for the whole team,” Williams wrote. “… I think we all come to college to find our own path and prepare for the future. I came to Oklahoma with a game plan, but with all the recent changes, I need to figure out what is the right path for me moving forward.

“According to NCAA rules, as a student-athlete, the only way I can speak with other schools and see who many offer the best preparation and development for my future career is by entering the portal. Staying at OU will definitely be an option as I begin this process.”

Williams’ father outlines transfer

According to Pete Thamel, Carl Williams, father of the Sooners quarterback, tells Yahoo Sports that the family has followed the NCAA process accordingly. He also explained that his son, Caleb Williams, has not picked out a destination. And the key thing that they are focusing on when it comes to school selections is preparation to become an NFL quarterback.

“Professional development. We want Caleb to be ready to play when he becomes a pro. You go to college to get prepared for your career. His chosen career path is professional football. We want him to be prepared for when that time comes,” said Willams.